Kerala’s two major Communist parties—the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Communist Party of India (CPI)—have found themselves at odds over an unexpected issue: alcohol consumption among party members. While both parties are key allies in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, their contrasting views on drinking have sparked fresh debate within the state's political landscape.
CPI(M) Enforces Strict Prohibition
CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan recently reaffirmed the party’s firm stance against alcohol and tobacco use. Speaking to the media ahead of the party’s state conference, Govindan made it clear that CPI(M) members are strictly prohibited from drinking or smoking.
"We are a party which has an ideology which is very clear that our comrades should not smoke or drink. If you (media) shows one comrade of ours who drinks, he will be thrown out of the party," said Govindan, as per a report on IANS.
CPI’s Flexible Approach
In contrast, the CPI has taken a more lenient stance. State CPI Secretary Binoy Viswam, earlier this year, remarked that while members are permitted to consume alcohol, they should do so in private and refrain from public intoxication.
Viswam’s statement reflects the CPI’s pragmatic approach, which seeks to align ideological values with evolving social norms.
Yet, the divide between the two Communist parties is not new. The CPI and CPI(M) parted ways in 1964, leading to ideological and strategic differences that persist even today. Over the years, CPI(M) emerged as the dominant Left force in Kerala, while CPI adopted a more flexible political approach, even collaborating with the Congress at times.
Despite occasional differences, both parties have remained allies in LDF government. However, past tensions—including a cabinet boycott by CPI ministers during Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s first term—have demonstrated underlying friction.